My current research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of motor proteins involved in RNA metabolism, with additional projects on actin, actin-associated cytoskeletal proteins and regulatory GTPases. Some of my previous research has endeavored to understand allosteric regulation in different protein contexts, including metalloregulation of transcription factors in bacteria and small molecule effectors of dehydrogenases involved in amino acid metabolism. I have implemented, adapted, and utilized several biochemical, biophysical, and computational methods aimed at quantitatively dissecting how biomolecules function and interact with each other. I'm fascinated by these molecular machines and keenly interested in how folds/functions have been selected and adapted by evolution. I also have a strong interest in the production of metabolites from bacteria, archaea, and fungi that are useful in pharmacology, green chemistry, materials science, and alternative energy.

As a high school attendee at Gustavus Adolphus College’s annual Nobel Conference, I saw first hand how some of the world’s experts in a scientific discipline (Astronautics & Astrophysics in 1997) could present their work in a way that ignites the flame of curiosity. During my undergraduate years at Gustavus, I learned that hands-on exploration, hypothesis generation, experimentation and data analysis are instrumental to recognizing the importance of the scientific method while developing a passion for inquiry-guided learning. I became involved in Science on Saturdays, a hands-on science outreach program for K-12 students from the local community. I remained involved in science outreach as a graduate student, working with the Young Scientist Program (YSP) at Washington University in St. Louis to bring hands-on science curriculum enrichment modules to middle and high school classrooms. I have continued with other science outreach work as a postdoc, but remain a YSP volunteer in absentia.

The Young Scientist Program organizes a wide range of programs including the aforementioned Teaching Teams, K-12 science/medicine field trips, “Family Medical School” at the St. Louis Science Center, Women in Science Day on campus, and full-time summer research internships for select high school students and teachers. YSP makes it a point to target students and teachers from disadvantaged backgrounds in the St. Louis metro area while providing opportunities to learn about the fundamental processes of science and become engaged in cutting edge research.